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midwife muse -- a community midwifery bulletin board
Saturday, 3 January 2004
CORD CARE
What do you do -- or don't do -- for umbillical cords?
Do you put anything on them? Forbid baths? How long do you leave the clamps on? Do you clamp or not? What type of ties/clamps do you use?

I'll start with what "I"do, just to get the ball rolling. (I think it's great to discuss different ideas)

i don't put ANYTHING on cords -- not even alcohol -- although if parents insist on it, I don't forbid it.

I also recomend tub baths from birth onward. It seems to help the cords fall off quickly, limits any foul smell, and doesn't raise the risk of infection(probably actually lowers it).

Re clamping: I really really like the rubber bands!

What do y'all think?

Posted by midwiferyeducation at 4:29 PM PST

Friday, 9 January 2004 - 2:44 AM PST

Name: pamela
Home Page: http://www.midwifemama.com

I don't put anything on cords. Lately, I've asked clients if they would be willing to wait longer than after the birth of the placenta to cut the cord. A few mws I spoke to say that after an hour or so after the placenta is born, no ties are needed. I'm wondering if this is true.

Anyway, I use cord tape. I have a few friends in the unassisted birth movement and they use braided embroidery floss. Pretty colors, different. :)

I feel fine with baths for baby before the stump is off.

Wednesday, 28 January 2004 - 6:14 PM PST

Name: Sandra

My own babies 'went bare' with no ties/clamps/or treatment except for baths. An hour wait sounds about right for cord cutting.

In my practice, most parents chose a hazeltine or cord tape over plastic clamp and "no clamp/tie" ~ the options available to them. I never sprung for the expense of the bander, but a midwife friend of mine loves hers and has encouraged me to purchase one.

Waiting for the placenta to deliver (before cutting cord)has always been my preference (19 years) without problems.

Sandra

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